Kahala Mall revises stance on pictures of public areas

Question: I was at Kahala Mall recently and saw a decorative lamp (not merchandise) in the window of a store. I was taking a photo of it with my iPhone from outside when a member of mall security came up and told me I couldn’t take the photo. I asked whether photography was forbidden in general at the mall, and he replied that photography of “structures” is prohibited; photography of people was OK. This seems silly, as photos of people can also contain structures, so it isn’t as if this policy would somehow deter terrorism or provide any proprietary protection. If it is indeed official mall policy, why is it not clearly stated all over the mall and/or on its website?

Answer: Your “point is well taken,” said Kahala Mall General Manager Floyd Williamson.

After discussing the issue with security officials and acknowledging that “with the proliferation of cellphones, it’s impossible to really deal with” people taking photos, he said the mall has decided to modify its position on photo-taking.

It will, for the most part, leave it up to each merchant to set its own policy.

“The appropriate, normal and future conduct would be for the security officer to ask (someone) if they got permission from the merchant,” Williamson said.

“Each store is different. As long as a merchant doesn’t have an objection, then it’s fine with us,” he said. He observed that some merchants might object because of various concerns, including someone replicating their merchandise.

Asked about public areas of the mall, Williamson said that generally speaking, taking photos shouldn’t be a problem. The only exception would be professional photography, which is not allowed.

He also noted that since the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001, security is a challenge for everyone.

Kahala Mall and shopping centers in general “still get communications from Homeland Security about taking precautions and being alert,” Williamson said. So, depending on the circumstance, security officials might approach someone to ask what is going on.

“We don’t want to be paranoid about it, but at the same time we have to be careful and diligent about security and give the security guys some guidance as to what it is they’re supposed to be looking out for,” Williamson said.

Question: Can you please help us get more portable toilets in the parking lot if there is another Pro Bowl in Hawaii? They need to have at least double the number. Every year it’s a problem, but this year the gals did not want to use them because it was “piling up.” We wait five hours before game time, and most of us enjoy tailgating with friends and family. I understand the NFL is in control of parking, but who is responsible for the potties?

Answer: The NFL also was responsible for setting up the portable toilets, according to Aloha Stadium officials.

They said they would pass on your concerns to the organization.

It did note that the NFL sets up more of those portable rest­rooms for the Pro Bowl than are ordered for University of Hawaii football games: 65, compared with 58 per UH game.

Mahalo

To a very gracious lady. On Tuesday, Jan. 17, we three retired teachers found ourselves hopelessly lost looking for the Punchbowl Memorial Cemetery. We stopped a woman walking her dog and asked for directions. She tried diligently to verbally guide us to our destination but saw our looks of total confusion. She then offered to pop her dog into her car and drive there, with us following behind. She led us around various streets and highways to the entrance of Punchbowl. We would have NEVER found it on our own! So thank you, wonderful lady. We are sorry we didn’t get your name. If you — and your pup — are ever in San Diego, please let us guide you around. — Sue Johnson and friends, San Diego

———
Write to “Kokua Line” at Honolulu Star-Advertiser, 7 Waterfront Plaza, Suite 210, 500 Ala Moana Blvd., Honolulu 96813; call 529-4773; fax 529-4750; or email kokualine@staradvertiser.com.